Methods Inf Med 2000; 39(01): 7-11
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1634260
Original Article
Schattauer GmbH

Utility of the Charlson Comorbidity Index Computed from Routinely Collected Hospital Discharge Diagnosis Codes

R. L. O’Connell
1   Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, The University of Newcastle, Australia
,
L. L.-Y. Lim
1   Centre for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, The University of Newcastle, Australia
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
07 February 2018 (online)

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Abstract:

This study aims to determine whether the Charlson comorbidity index computed from ICD-9-CM discharge diagnosis codes adds additional information to a model containing adjustment for more informed patient details (e.g., disease severity and history), besides solely age and sex, when predicting long-term survival. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients admitted to hospital for suspected acute myocardial infarction. Index scores were calculated by applying the D’Hoore et al. algorithm (1993). The index significantly improved the model fit (likelihood ratio test: p <0.001). The D’Hoore-adapted Charlson index is a useful comorbidity risk adjustment tool when applied to AMI and angina patients.